Comparison of Germination Efficiency of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seeds Using Three Mixtures of Seed Balls

Abstract

Reforestation and greening are topmost priority considering that only less than 24% of the original forest destructive to the soil structure. Thus, this study was conducted to introduce the use of seed balls as cheaper alternative and to determine which among the three seed ball mixtures could best support seed germination and growth of seedlings of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Seed balls were made and sun-dried before sowing. Results show that a combination of 5 parts red clay, 3 parts cow manure, 1 part seeds (seed ball or treatment 1) was the best growth medium for H. annuus. Another combination of 3 parts clay, 3 parts shredded paper, 2 parts manure, 1 part seeds (seed ball or treatment 2) was able to support germination stage of sunflower seeds similar to the first mixture. However, growth and development of the seedlings from two-leaf to four-leaf stage were not as efficient as compared to the first seed ball mixture. The third seed ball mixture composed of 3 parts clay, 3 parts wood charcoal, 2 parts manure, 1 part seeds was the growth medium with the least number of seed germination as well as two-leaf to four-leaf seedlings of H. annuus. Thus, it is recommended that seed ball preparations using 5 parts red clay, 3 parts cow manure, and 1 part seeds of tree species be used and field tested for reforestation and urban greening.